Emergency preparedness at Cowichan Lake

CVRD manager of public safety Sybille Sanderson speaks to a crowd at a Youbou Public meeting

Armed with a Cowichan Valley Emergency Preparedness Workbook, CVRD manager of Public Safety Sybille Sanderson said that it’s easy to prepare one’s self for an emergency.

Just read the workbook, she encourages.

“The information we have prepares you for all situations,” she told a large crowd of residents that gathered for a Youbou Public Meeting, Wednesday, May 4. “If you’re ready for an earthquake, you’re going to be prepared for everything else.”

Emergency preparedness has come to the front of peoples’ minds lately, with the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

“It was old buildings that fell down, and some buildings were crushed by landslides. Does that look like a possibility in Youbou?” she asked.

The key thing is to be prepared for any situations. Pack water, food, blankets, and anything one may need if put in a situation where they’re out of contact with others for a period of time.

Sanderson encourages people to pick up a couple extra items every time they go to the grocery store, in order to stock up in the event of a disaster, recognizing that most people can’t afford to stock up all at once.

“We will survive, but I want you to survive well,” she said.

Sanderson closed her presentation by encouraging people to sign their phone number up with the CVRD’s Emergency Alert System, which notifies people of incoming disasters. Those interested can call 250-746-2564.